K9 Solutions Australia's Virtus House Kennel Kast is your gateway to worlds few witness firsthand. Our podcasts take you deep into the often-overlooked realm of working dogs within the military, special operations, and law enforcement.
Your host, Jason Kelly, is a retired Military Working Dog Handler and the owner/trainer of K9 Solutions Australia. Having undergone numerous domestic and international operational deployments, Jason has gained exceptional insight and a unique perspective on the world of working dogs.
Amongst the Shadows: A Conversation with Shannon Krieger, Former Special Operations Operator & Plank Holder of The Combat Assault Dog Program for the ‘Unit’
In the latest episode from K9 Solutions Australia’s Virtus House Kennel Kast, Shannon Krieger, former Special Operations operator, canine handler, and one of the original architects behind the groundbreaking Combat Assault Dog Program, steps out of the shadows to share his story.
Instrumental to one of the most transformative programs in modern warfare, Shannon discusses how working dogs became elite tactical teammates, capable of deploying alongside Tier One units in the world’s most high-risk missions. From the early foundations laid in the late 1990s with Steve Zane Stoops and Mike Reaver, to the creation of a military initiative that redefined warfare, Shannon offers an unfiltered look into the birth of The Combat Assault Dog Program, an innovation that continues to influence global military and law enforcement K9 operations to this day.
A story shaped in shadows. A legacy forged in combat.
If you want to know a little more about Shannon, or even just put a face to the voice, click on the following link:
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/TEGrN2nYot1ue (https://express.adobe.com/page/1EdEGBroM7ScP/)
K9SA VHKK on IG | K9SA VHKK on FB | K9SA VHKK on X | K9SA VHKK on YouTube
11 Aug 2025
Amongst the Shadows: A Conversation with Shannon Krieger, Former Special Operations Operator & Plank Holder of the Combat Assault Dog Program for the ‘Unit' - Trailer
We're super excited about our latest podcast, ‘Amongst the Shadows: A Conversation with Shannon Krieger, Former Special Operations Operator & Plank Holder of The Combat Assault Dog Program for the ‘Unit’’, coming out on 13 August 2025.
If you want to know a little about Shannon before the upcoming podcast release, or even just put a face to the voice, click on the following link:
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/TEGrN2nYot1ue (https://express.adobe.com/page/1EdEGBroM7ScP/)
A story shaped in shadows. A legacy forged in combat.
K9SA VHKK on IG | K9SA VHKK on FB | K9SA VHKK on X | K9SA VHKK on YouTube
9 Nov 2024
VHKK Spotlight Series 01: Desley Power
Desley Power, K9 Solutions Australia's initial puppy developer, delves into her remarkable dog training and development journey in the first episode of Virtus House Kennel Kast's Spotlight Series.
From her early influences to her role at K9 Solutions Australia, Desley shares invaluable insights and anecdotes illuminating the intricacies of working with elite dogs. Desley's journey from a childhood fascination with animals to a pivotal role in developing elite working dogs is a unique and intriguing story. Her unwavering commitment is a testament to her character. As an enigmatic force behind the scenes at K9 Solutions Australia, Desley's unique path captivates and inspires all dog enthusiasts and trainers.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Desley, click on the following link:
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/h8cq5Nz6vikZY
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28 Oct 2023
Beyond Duty: A Conversation with Ben MacKenzie, Former Dog Handler, Queensland Police - Part 3
In the third and final part of our podcast series 'Beyond Duty: A Conversation with Ben MacKenzie, Former Dog Handler, Queensland Police', Ben reflects on watching his dogs grow and develop, overcoming obstacles, and contributing significantly to investigations and operations, the extraordinary commitment, time, and passion for working with dogs the job demands, and despite the immense satisfaction and thrill derived from the job, the eventual transition away from the Dog Squad to leadership roles within the QPS…
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ben, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb)
28 Oct 2023
Beyond Duty: A Conversation with Ben MacKenzie, Former Dog Handler, Queensland Police - Part 2
In the second part of our podcast series 'Beyond Duty: A Conversation with Ben MacKenzie, Former Dog Handler, Queensland Police', we delve into the multifaceted world of police dog work, the demanding physical and emotional nature of the job, the experience of working dogs within the family environment, and the Dog Squad's role in supporting search and rescue missions, such as the 2011 Grantham floods search and rescue mission…
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ben, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb)
28 Oct 2023
Beyond Duty: A Conversation with Ben MacKenzie, Former Dog Handler, Queensland Police - Part 1
In the first of three parts of our latest podcast series, respected former QPS K9 handler Ben MacKenzie discusses his journey to becoming a K9 handler, reflects on his time with the Brisbane Dog Squad, the camaraderie within the K9 Unit, and the strong bonds formed with PD Tank and PD Kadar that went beyond professional duties…..
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ben, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/K6et2OQvV8XWb)
23 Dec 2022
Fire & Stone: The Story of Andy White, Former Combat Assault Dog Handler, Special Air Service Regiment
Virtus House Kennel Kast Christmas Special, ‘Fire & Stone: The Story of Andy White, Former Combat Assault Dog Handler, Special Air Service Regiment’.
While a break from the channel’s normal scheduling, this is one episode you definitely do not want to miss, so settle in with your favourite Christmassy beverage, relax, and enjoy our gift to you.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Andy, click on the following link: https://express.adobe.com/page/6RNaqtIBAGIAX/ (https://express.adobe.com/page/6RNaqtIBAGIAX/)
8 Dec 2022
POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team - Episode 4
In the last episode of our ‘POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High-Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team’ podcast series, Graham speaks with Jason about his fourth and final deployment to Afghanistan, the disappointment and frustration of the insufficient use of the dog capability on his last deployment, his diagnosis of PTSD and life after the military.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Graham, click on the following link: https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/ (https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/)
5 Dec 2022
POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team - Episode 3
In the third episode of our podcast series, ‘POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High-Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team’, Jason talks to Graham about his second deployment to Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), working with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), his third deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 and being a part of finding the biggest weapons and munitions cache found by Australian forces in Afghanistan.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Graham, click on the following link: https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/ (https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/)
1 Dec 2022
POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team - Episode 2
In the second episode of our ‘POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High-Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team’ podcast series, Graham speaks with Jason about his deployment to the Solomon Islands, heartbreaking and deadly training restrictions, his first deployment to Afghanistan as part of the Reconstruction Task Force and the heavy burden of doing his job right to save lives.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Graham, click on the following link: https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/ (https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/)
27 Nov 2022
POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High-Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team - Episode 1
The first of four episodes of our second podcast series ‘POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High-Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team’ starts with Graham talking about his journey from Manchester, England, to serving in Australia’s Armed Forces, the ripples of 911, the drive to become an elite dog handler and the dogs and mates he met and worked with along the way.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Graham, click on the following link: https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/ (https://express.adobe.com/page/0Se6bRhuVeEo4/)
20 Nov 2022
POM: The Story of Graham Ellis, Former Explosive Detection Dog Handler, High Risk Search and Explosive Detection Team
Coming Soon - November 2022
27 Dec 2021
Tip of the Spear: A Conversation with Former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson - Episode 3
In the third and final episode of our Virtus House Kennel Kast's podcast series, 'Tip of the Spear - A Conversation with former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson', Jason talks to Ryan about going from Squadron Handler to managerial roles within the cell, innovation within the dog training space, transitioning from elite soldiering to civilian life working for Whipper Snapper Distillery and his mission to make a difference in the veteran community in Western Australia and beyond.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ryan, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6 (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6)
If you'd like to support Ryan in giving back, click on the following links: wanderingwarriors.org (http://wanderingwarriors.org/) www.rslwa.org.au (http://www.rslwa.org.au/) whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club (http://whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club)
20 Dec 2021
Tip of the Spear: A Conversation with Former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson - Episode 2
In the second episode of our ‘Tip of the Spear' podcast series with former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson, Ryan discusses moving to the squadron as a handler, some of his influences within the squadron and more antics of Combat Assault Dog KENI.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ryan, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6 (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6)
If you'd like to support Ryan in giving back, click on the following links: wanderingwarriors.org (http://wanderingwarriors.org/) www.rslwa.org.au (http://www.rslwa.org.au/) whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club (http://whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club)
15 Dec 2021
Tip of the Spear: A Conversation with Former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson - Episode 1
The first of three episodes, our 'Tip of the Spear' podcast series with former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson commences with Ryan talking candidly about his 18-year career in the Australian Army, primarily in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), and his life-changing interaction with Combat Assault Dog FAX whilst serving in Afghanistan.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ryan, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6 (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6)
If you'd like to support Ryan in giving back, click on the following links: wanderingwarriors.org (http://wanderingwarriors.org/) www.rslwa.org.au (http://www.rslwa.org.au/)whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club (http://whippersnapperdistillery.com/veterans-club)
12 Dec 2021
Tip of the Spear: A Conversation with Former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson
Coming Soon. We're excited to give you a sneak peak of K9 Solutions Australia's Virtus House Kennel Kast 001 with former SASR Soldier and Combat Assault Dog Handler Ryan Wilson. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Ryan and we can't wait for you to hear the first episode on 13.12.2021. It's rare for members of elite special operations units to share their experiences of serving in these types of units, so we can't thank Ryan enough for taking the time out of his busy schedule to spend a couple of hours sharing his story with us.
If you want to put a face to the voice or learn a little more about Ryan, click on the following link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6 (https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/nVfHl98SKCZT6)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
225,563
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
29
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
0
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